ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. However, they can also interfere with relationships, work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of despair. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. There are also issues with paying attention or completing tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious constantly. Many women experience emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as cutting or burning themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It's important to know that the symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social attitudes regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get the support and help you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to mask them as a means of coping. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It is also essential to have a an history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two settings like work or home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well like the behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, like close family members and friends. The evaluator will use their findings to prepare a report for you.
In certain cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and they don't hinder your daily activities. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for an appointment. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who live with ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They could be expected to look after their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for those who have hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being used.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be best for you. When developing the treatment plan the doctor will consider aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. iampsychiatry of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It helps determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women. It also provides information that can be shared with a doctor.
The test requires a person to answer 18 questions that are broken down by the four core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and two other symptom areas. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.